THE DIRTY NOCKA 2027

3 & 6 Hour XC Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge

One course. Two distances. Three or six hours. How many laps have you got in you?

The Dirty Nocka is back for 2027, bringing another fantastic day of mountain bike endurance racing to the trails of Cannock Chase!

Brought to you by the experienced team behind the Cannock Chase Classic MTB events, National XC Series races and Exposure Lights 24/12, the Dirty Nocka combines proper mountain biking with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that welcomes riders of all abilities.

Choose your challenge: 3 hours or 6 hours. Race solo or team up with a friend. The aim is simple – complete as many laps as you can before the clock runs out!

Based at Tackeroo Campsite on Cannock Chase, riders will tackle an approximately 10km XC course packed with flowing singletrack, challenging climbs, technical sections and plenty of opportunities to put your mountain biking skills to the test.

Whether you're an experienced XC racer looking to push your limits, a weekend warrior wanting a new challenge, or someone taking on their first endurance MTB event, there's a place for you at the Dirty Nocka.

And of course, every finisher will receive a bespoke Dirty Nocka 2027 medal to celebrate their achievement!

Event Categories & Start Times

3 Hour Endurance – 10:00am to 1:00pm

• Solo Male / Female – Minimum age 16

• Pairs Male / Female / Mixed – Minimum age 14

• E-Bike Solo – Open category, minimum age 16

6 Hour Endurance – 10:00am to 4:00pm

• Solo Male / Female – Minimum age 16

• Pairs Male / Female / Mixed – Minimum age 14

For all pairs categories, only one team member can be on the course at any time.

Both the 3-hour and 6-hour events start together at 10:00am.

The Course – Proper Mountain Biking!

If you've ridden one of our events before, you'll know exactly what to expect. If you haven't, you're in for a treat!

Cannock Chase is one of the UK's best-known mountain biking destinations, and we've got an incredible network of trails to play with.

Our approximately 10km lap will feature a mixture of fast, flowing singletrack, natural woodland trails, technical sections, punchy climbs and a few fire road sections to give those legs a chance to recover.

We always aim to include some interesting sections that you won't necessarily ride on your usual trip around the Chase.

New to mountain bike racing? Don't be put off!

Although the course will offer plenty of challenges for experienced riders, it's designed to be accessible to all abilities. More difficult sections will have easier alternative lines, so there's no need to take unnecessary risks.

The faster riders may complete a lap in around 30 minutes, while those taking things a little steadier might take 45 minutes or longer.

It's about having fun, testing yourself and enjoying some brilliant riding.

How Does the Event Work?

The Dirty Nocka is all about endurance, consistency and a little bit of tactical thinking!

All categories start together at 10:00am, with solo riders and the first rider from each pair heading out onto the course.

The objective is to complete as many full laps as possible within your chosen 3-hour or 6-hour race duration.

There's just one important rule: your final lap MUST be completed before your race time expires.

Cross the finish line even one second after the cut-off and that final lap won't count.

This adds an extra element of strategy as you decide whether there's enough time to squeeze in one more lap.

Solo Riders – It's All Down to You!

Three or six hours of mountain biking. Just you, your bike and the trails.

Ride as many laps as you can, at whatever pace suits you. You can stop for food, drink, a mechanical repair or a well-earned rest whenever you need to.

A designated exit and re-entry point in the event arena will allow you to take a break before heading out again.

You must complete at least one full lap to register a result.

The winner is the rider completing the greatest number of valid laps within their race duration.

Pairs – Share the Pain!

Fancy the challenge but don't want to tackle the whole thing on your own?

Grab a friend, riding buddy or family member and enter as a pair!

One rider starts the race while the other waits for their turn. At the end of a lap, riders can swap over in the designated transition area.

You can ride one lap each, alternate every couple of laps or take longer turns. The strategy is entirely up to you.

Only one rider per team can be on the course at a time, and teams must complete at least one valid lap to register a result.

When you're not riding, you're free to relax, refuel and cheer on your teammate.

Work together, pace yourselves and see how many laps you can clock up!

E-Bike Category – 3 Hours

We also have a dedicated E-MTB category within the 3-hour event.

This is an open category for riders aged 16 and over.

E-bikes must comply with UK electrically assisted pedal cycle requirements, including motor assistance cutting off at 25km/h (15.5mph).

To keep things fair, battery changes are not permitted during the race.

The Venue – Cannock Chase

Tackeroo Campsite
Penkridge Bank
Near Rugeley, Staffordshire
WS15 2UA

Cannock Chase is one of the Midlands' most popular destinations for off-road riding, home to the famous Follow the Dog and Monkey Trail routes, along with miles of fantastic natural trails.

Tackeroo makes an ideal base for endurance racing, with a spacious event arena, hardstanding parking and direct access to the surrounding woodland.

The venue is easy to reach from both north and south, approximately 15 minutes from the M6 via Junction 11 (Cannock) or Junction 13 (Stafford).

Event Facilities

We aim to provide everything you need for a great day of racing, including:

• Free parking – Hardstanding parking close to the event arena.

• Toilets – Available at the venue.

• Food & drink – Hot food, proper coffee, cakes and refreshments available from event caterers.

• Drinking water – Fresh water taps around the site.

• Event photography – Photos from the event available to download free of charge.

• Run & Ride event shop – Essential spares, accessories and last-minute kit available should you need anything before or during the race.

• Finisher medals – Every finisher receives a bespoke Dirty Nocka 2027 medal.

Camping

Camping is available at Tackeroo on Friday and Saturday nights, just a short distance from the race arena.

Simply add your required night or nights when completing your event entry.

Please note that camping may be cancelled in the event of severe weather or high winds.

Spectators – Bring Your Support Crew!

The Dirty Nocka isn't just about the riders. It's a great day out for friends, family and supporters too.

We've designed the course to keep riders close to the event arena wherever possible, with opportunities to see them during each lap.

Bring along your supporters to provide a bit of encouragement, shout some questionable advice or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

With food, drinks and plenty of racing action, there's lots to keep everyone entertained.

Cancellations, Transfers & Entry Changes

We understand that plans can change, so we aim to keep entry management as straightforward as possible.

Changes and cancellations can be requested up to two weeks before the event.

Before the deadline, entrants may:

• Change their entry details.

• Move to another category, subject to availability.

• Transfer their entry to another rider.

• Request a refund.

Administration charges:

• Entry transfer: £1.00

• Cancellation/refund: £5.00

After the deadline, refunds and changes will no longer be available.

Entries and changes will be managed through the online entry system.

Ready to Take on the Dirty Nocka?

Whether you're chasing a podium, aiming for a personal lap target or simply looking for an excuse to spend a few hours riding brilliant trails with great people, the Dirty Nocka has something for everyone.

Three hours or six? Solo or pairs?

It's your race, your challenge and your chance to see just how many laps you've got in those legs.

And with a bespoke finisher medal waiting at the end, there's even more reason to take on the challenge!

Get entered, get training and we'll see you on the start line for the Dirty Nocka 2027!